Becoming Catholic

First of all, come to Mass on Sunday. You don’t need to worry – you are welcome just to come in, sit at the back and watch what’s going on. You can pray in your own words during the quiet parts of the Mass. And you never know – the sermon might even be interesting!

A very good book to get hold of is the Simple Prayer Book which is published by the Catholic Truth Society or CTS. There should be a copy for sale at the back of the Church. This has a good collection of Catholic prayers and some other information about the Catholic faith.

As you are reading this on the Internet, you could have a look at some of the many good things on the Web. You could start out at the Catholic basics page at this site. If you want a book which summarises Catholic belief, we recommend the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the Credo: An Introduction to the Catholic Faith (See the Parish Repository).

We run a course for those who want to become Catholics. You will be in the company of others who have very basic questions and it is enjoyable to make friends with others who are in the same boat. Many Catholics say that the people who are learning about the faith tend to know more than “cradle Catholics”. It is also possible to receive private instruction.

As it is a serious decision, you will not be rushed into becoming a Catholic. The course of teaching takes several months – or longer if you need.

When you are ready, you will be baptised and confirmed and receive holy Communion at a special Mass – preferably at Easter. If you are already a baptised Christian, you will make your confession first and then be received formally into the Church.

Many people would like to become Catholics but feel a bit nervous about taking the first step. So God gave us email! If you can e-mail the priest from here. Otherwise, just call down to your local Church, introduce yourself to the priest, and see what happens from there.